Postdoctoral position in computational photoelectrochemistry

Department of Applied Physics at Chalmers - home of the Graphene Flagship
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Applied Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials such as graphene to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

The department is the major part of Gothenburg Physics Centre – a collaboration between five departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University.

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Information about the division
The main theme at Chemical Physics is the development of sustainable energy systems by using heterogeneous catalysis for alternative fuel production, emission control, energy storage, and fuel cells. The research is interdisciplinary with strong connections between fundamental and applied science. Chemical Physics is a dynamic and international environment that strives for scientific excellence through teamwork and joint experimental and theoretical efforts. The activity within heterogeneous catalysis is a part of the national Competence Centre for Catalysis at Chalmers.

The theoretical activities at Chemical Physics focus on electronic structure calculations within the density functional theory together with mean-field modeling and Monte-Carlo simulations for reaction kinetics. By linking quantum mechanical calculations with kinetic modeling it is possible to bridge both length and time scales. Theoretical spectroscopy is used together with experimental observations to unravel fundamental reaction mechanisms and processes.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform research at Chemical Physics. The successful candidate will use density functional theory calculations and/or correlated wavefunction methods to study photoelectrochemical reactions and/or the charge separation and recombination dynamics on semiconductors, such as TiO2 and Fe2O3. The postdoctoral position is part of a larger cross-disciplinary research program shared between Chemistry and Physics, and is supported by Area of Advance Material Science and Area of Advance Energy in order to strengthen Chalmers Solar activities. Hence, the theoretical work will be conducted in close collaboration with experimental efforts in the Chemical Physics/Physical Chemistry group at Chalmers. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to one year with possibility for a one-year extension, i.e. maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
Necessary qualifications for the postdoctoral position are:
(1) PhD in Computational Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science.
The degree should generally not be older than four years.
(2) Documented experience of density functional theory calculations.
(3) Skills in scripting and programming are mandatory.
(4) A solid background in quantum mechanics, solid-state theory and thermodynamics is required.
(5) The candidate has to be able to work independently and have good skills in communicating scientific results in written and spoken English.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.


Application deadline: 10 December 2015

For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Anders Hellman
Chemical Physics
E-mail: anders.hellman@chalmers.se 
Phone +46 31 772 5611

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!